FISHING REPORT NUMBER 28: 10/29/2008
INLAND REPORT
ATLANTIC SALMON - Anglers continue to report some good action for the recent stocked salmon on the Naugatuck River. Catches are also reported from the Shetucket River and Crystal Lake (including a 31 inch beauty).
TROUT
Fall Trout Stocking update- DEP completed its 2008 fall trout stockings last week. A total of 45,100 trout (13,500 brown trout and 31,600 rainbow trout) were stocked from early September through mid October.
Rivers & streams – Several recent rain events have increased flows in a number of areas, making some rivers difficult to fish. Anglers should keep smaller tributaries in mind this week. Streamers and nymphing can be very effective in the fall (often best during the early morning and late evening). For streamers try white, yellow & brown colors. Patterns to try include Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10). For nymphs, Bottom bounce Caddis pupa (#14-16), Serendipity (#14-16), Pheasant Tail (#12-20), Prince (#6-1
and Hare’s ear (#8-20).
FARMINGTON RIVER - Flows are relatively clear and moderate from Hogback to Riverton, about 160 cfs. Below Riverton, flows are stained and high as the Still River is currently adding another 300 cfs. Flows should clear and moderate through the weekend. BWO continue to be the dominant hatch, with tan Caddis also producing. For best action try Blue Wing Olives (#20-28, mid-late afternoon), Isonychia (#12-14), Caddis (winter & tan #16-18, late morning-early afternoon) and Ants (#16-30).
HOUSATONIC RIVER – Flows are currently stained and relatively unfishable, currently 2,700 cfs at Falls Village and 3,450 cfs at Gaylordsville. Flows should drop to more fishable levels by the weekend. For updated flow information, anglers can call FirstLight Power at 1-888-417-4837. Morning water temperatures are now in the mid to high 40’s°F. Hatches/patterns include Blue Wing Olive (#18-26), Isonychia (#10-12), Sulfur (#16-1, and Tan & Winter caddis (#16-20, early morning & evening). Streamers and nymphing work well this time of year (see advice above)!
Lakes & Ponds – Trout fishing is generally slow to fair, with reports from Candlewood Lake (slow), Squantz Pond (slow), East Twin Lake (fair) and Crystal Lake (fair, some nice browns reported).
LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is generally fair with the best reports are from Bashan Lake (catches include a 8.5 lb largemouth), Rogers Lake (4.7 lb bass), Wononscopomuc Lake (remember, season closes here Friday) and Lake Lillinonah. Fishing was fair at Aspinook Pond and Gardner Lake, and difficult at Candlewood Lake and Rainbow Reservoir.
SMALLMOUTH BASS fishing is fair, with reports from Candlewood Lake, Highland Lake, Colebrook River Lake and Bashan Lake (catches do include a 5.1 lb smallie).
NORTHERN PIKE – Pike fishing has been slow at Quaddick Reservoir and Pachaug Pond.
WALLEYE – Good reports from Squantz Pond (some fish in the 5-8 lb range) and Saugatuck Reservoir, some catches also reported from Beach Pond and Mashapaug Lake.
CHAIN PICKEREL are providing steady action throughout the state, with reports from a number of areas in northeast CT (Quaddick Reservoir, West Thompson Lake, Schoolhouse Pond), southeast CT (Rogers Lake, Amos Lake, Gardner Lake) and western CT (Mudge Pond, Twin Brook Park Pond). Page 1 of 3
BLACK CRAPPIE are providing good action in many lakes and ponds throughout the state.
CONNECTICUT RIVER – The river is currently high due to the recent storms. Fishing last week on the river was generally fair to good. BLACK CRAPPIE were keeping anglers busy in the coves, try jigs & small shiners right at structure. Schoolie STRIPED BASS were being found throughout the river. HICKORY SHAD are still in the river. NORTHERN PIKE fishing has been spotty, with some nice catches reported from coves and the main-stem near Haddam. CHANNEL CATFISH are still providing anglers with some good action. Outside edges of the channel and the coves are good spots.
FISHING ACCESS, BOAT LAUNCH & DRAWDOWN INFORMATION
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The fishing season at a small number of water bodies including LAKE WONONSCOPOMUC, GREEN FALLS RESERVOIR and BATTERSON PARK POND closes on October 31st (Friday night). Anglers should check their 2008 Angler’s Guide for site-specific regulations including seasons.
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Although the campground at Hopeville Pond State Park has closed for the season, access to the HOPEVILLE POND boat launch will be available through Thanksgiving (gate will be unlocked, please close after use).
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The boat launch at Indian Well State Park on LAKE HOUSATONIC is currently scheduled to remain open for daytime use until December 1st.
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“Winter” drawdown of a number of Eastern CT lakes including Bashan Lake (down 5 inches), Beseck Lake (full), Bigelow Pond (down 12”), Pachaug Pond (full), Gardner Lake (down 16 inches), Middle and Lower Bolton Lakes (both full), Pickerel Lake (down 5 inches) and Powers Lake (full) have begun. Reported depth below typical level is current as of 10/22, and prior to the weekend rains)
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Fishing access at LAKE SALTONSTALL will not be available for the rest of the 2008 season due to a planned drawdown to facilitate work on the spillway, inlets and embankment.
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LAKE LILLINONAH is scheduled to be drawn down 5 feet beginning November 8th and ending November 16th.
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LAKE McDONOUGH is currently drawn down to the typical winter level (7-8 ft), remember that the boat launch closed after Labor Day weekend.
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DEP has been informed that public access to ALEXANDER LAKE is no longer available.
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The “seawall” area extending from the handicap-accessible fishing pier to the permitted swim area at SQUANTZ POND is currently open to fishing. Anyone with a fishing pole can now access the fence through the several gates. Anglers can also enter the water in that area (except for the one area posted “no trespassing”).
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The LAKE WARAMAUG Town Boat Launch (Washington) has closed for use by the general public.
Page 2 of 3
MARINE FISHING REPORT
Water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) remain in the low 60’s °F. Check out the following web sites for more detailed water temperatures and marine boating conditions:
http://www.mysound.uconn.edu/stationstat.html
http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1
http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/
http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/330.html
Remember to check the 2008 Connecticut Angler’s Guide for tidal information (page 52) and pages 49-51 for saltwater trophy fish award information.
The Race is red hot for BLUEFISH with large choppers weighing in the high teens being reported! Other spots include the Watch Hill reefs, Ram Island Reef (Fishers Island Sound), Thames River, Sluiceway, Pigeon Rip, Plum Gut, Bartlett Reef, Black Point, Hatchett Reef, lower Connecticut River, Long Sand Shoal, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef, Duck Island area, Sixmile Reef, Falkner Island area, the reefs off Branford, New Haven Harbor, Charles Island to Milford Point, Buoys 18 and 20 off Stratford/Bridgeport, Bridgeport Harbor, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground, the reefs off Norwalk, and Cable and Anchor Reef.
STRIPED BASS fishing should improve as the water temperatures decline. Schoolie action is good in the tidal rivers.
HICKORY SHAD fishing remains good in the Niantic and Connecticut Rivers.
TAUTOG (blackfish) fishing is good throughout LIS. Also, check with your local bait and tackle shops for more detailed information in the area you plan to fish.
For regulation updates, please check our web site: www.ct.gov/dep/fishing.
Page 3 of 3
DEP WEEKLY FISHING REPORT
CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106
www.ct.gov/dep
INLAND REPORT
ATLANTIC SALMON - Anglers continue to report some good action for the recent stocked salmon on the Naugatuck River. Catches are also reported from the Shetucket River and Crystal Lake (including a 31 inch beauty).
TROUT
Fall Trout Stocking update- DEP completed its 2008 fall trout stockings last week. A total of 45,100 trout (13,500 brown trout and 31,600 rainbow trout) were stocked from early September through mid October.
Rivers & streams – Several recent rain events have increased flows in a number of areas, making some rivers difficult to fish. Anglers should keep smaller tributaries in mind this week. Streamers and nymphing can be very effective in the fall (often best during the early morning and late evening). For streamers try white, yellow & brown colors. Patterns to try include Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10). For nymphs, Bottom bounce Caddis pupa (#14-16), Serendipity (#14-16), Pheasant Tail (#12-20), Prince (#6-1
and Hare’s ear (#8-20).
FARMINGTON RIVER - Flows are relatively clear and moderate from Hogback to Riverton, about 160 cfs. Below Riverton, flows are stained and high as the Still River is currently adding another 300 cfs. Flows should clear and moderate through the weekend. BWO continue to be the dominant hatch, with tan Caddis also producing. For best action try Blue Wing Olives (#20-28, mid-late afternoon), Isonychia (#12-14), Caddis (winter & tan #16-18, late morning-early afternoon) and Ants (#16-30).
HOUSATONIC RIVER – Flows are currently stained and relatively unfishable, currently 2,700 cfs at Falls Village and 3,450 cfs at Gaylordsville. Flows should drop to more fishable levels by the weekend. For updated flow information, anglers can call FirstLight Power at 1-888-417-4837. Morning water temperatures are now in the mid to high 40’s°F. Hatches/patterns include Blue Wing Olive (#18-26), Isonychia (#10-12), Sulfur (#16-1
, and Tan & Winter caddis (#16-20, early morning & evening). Streamers and nymphing work well this time of year (see advice above)!
Lakes & Ponds – Trout fishing is generally slow to fair, with reports from Candlewood Lake (slow), Squantz Pond (slow), East Twin Lake (fair) and Crystal Lake (fair, some nice browns reported).
LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is generally fair with the best reports are from Bashan Lake (catches include a 8.5 lb largemouth), Rogers Lake (4.7 lb bass), Wononscopomuc Lake (remember, season closes here Friday) and Lake Lillinonah. Fishing was fair at Aspinook Pond and Gardner Lake, and difficult at Candlewood Lake and Rainbow Reservoir.
SMALLMOUTH BASS fishing is fair, with reports from Candlewood Lake, Highland Lake, Colebrook River Lake and Bashan Lake (catches do include a 5.1 lb smallie).
NORTHERN PIKE – Pike fishing has been slow at Quaddick Reservoir and Pachaug Pond.
WALLEYE – Good reports from Squantz Pond (some fish in the 5-8 lb range) and Saugatuck Reservoir, some catches also reported from Beach Pond and Mashapaug Lake.
CHAIN PICKEREL are providing steady action throughout the state, with reports from a number of areas in northeast CT (Quaddick Reservoir, West Thompson Lake, Schoolhouse Pond), southeast CT (Rogers Lake, Amos Lake, Gardner Lake) and western CT (Mudge Pond, Twin Brook Park Pond). Page 1 of 3
BLACK CRAPPIE are providing good action in many lakes and ponds throughout the state.
CONNECTICUT RIVER – The river is currently high due to the recent storms. Fishing last week on the river was generally fair to good. BLACK CRAPPIE were keeping anglers busy in the coves, try jigs & small shiners right at structure. Schoolie STRIPED BASS were being found throughout the river. HICKORY SHAD are still in the river. NORTHERN PIKE fishing has been spotty, with some nice catches reported from coves and the main-stem near Haddam. CHANNEL CATFISH are still providing anglers with some good action. Outside edges of the channel and the coves are good spots.
FISHING ACCESS, BOAT LAUNCH & DRAWDOWN INFORMATION
��
The fishing season at a small number of water bodies including LAKE WONONSCOPOMUC, GREEN FALLS RESERVOIR and BATTERSON PARK POND closes on October 31st (Friday night). Anglers should check their 2008 Angler’s Guide for site-specific regulations including seasons.
��
Although the campground at Hopeville Pond State Park has closed for the season, access to the HOPEVILLE POND boat launch will be available through Thanksgiving (gate will be unlocked, please close after use).
��
The boat launch at Indian Well State Park on LAKE HOUSATONIC is currently scheduled to remain open for daytime use until December 1st.
��
“Winter” drawdown of a number of Eastern CT lakes including Bashan Lake (down 5 inches), Beseck Lake (full), Bigelow Pond (down 12”), Pachaug Pond (full), Gardner Lake (down 16 inches), Middle and Lower Bolton Lakes (both full), Pickerel Lake (down 5 inches) and Powers Lake (full) have begun. Reported depth below typical level is current as of 10/22, and prior to the weekend rains)
��
Fishing access at LAKE SALTONSTALL will not be available for the rest of the 2008 season due to a planned drawdown to facilitate work on the spillway, inlets and embankment.
��
LAKE LILLINONAH is scheduled to be drawn down 5 feet beginning November 8th and ending November 16th.
��
LAKE McDONOUGH is currently drawn down to the typical winter level (7-8 ft), remember that the boat launch closed after Labor Day weekend.
��
DEP has been informed that public access to ALEXANDER LAKE is no longer available.
��
The “seawall” area extending from the handicap-accessible fishing pier to the permitted swim area at SQUANTZ POND is currently open to fishing. Anyone with a fishing pole can now access the fence through the several gates. Anglers can also enter the water in that area (except for the one area posted “no trespassing”).
��
The LAKE WARAMAUG Town Boat Launch (Washington) has closed for use by the general public.
Page 2 of 3
MARINE FISHING REPORT
Water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) remain in the low 60’s °F. Check out the following web sites for more detailed water temperatures and marine boating conditions:
http://www.mysound.uconn.edu/stationstat.html
http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1
http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/
http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/330.html
Remember to check the 2008 Connecticut Angler’s Guide for tidal information (page 52) and pages 49-51 for saltwater trophy fish award information.
The Race is red hot for BLUEFISH with large choppers weighing in the high teens being reported! Other spots include the Watch Hill reefs, Ram Island Reef (Fishers Island Sound), Thames River, Sluiceway, Pigeon Rip, Plum Gut, Bartlett Reef, Black Point, Hatchett Reef, lower Connecticut River, Long Sand Shoal, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef, Duck Island area, Sixmile Reef, Falkner Island area, the reefs off Branford, New Haven Harbor, Charles Island to Milford Point, Buoys 18 and 20 off Stratford/Bridgeport, Bridgeport Harbor, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground, the reefs off Norwalk, and Cable and Anchor Reef.
STRIPED BASS fishing should improve as the water temperatures decline. Schoolie action is good in the tidal rivers.
HICKORY SHAD fishing remains good in the Niantic and Connecticut Rivers.
TAUTOG (blackfish) fishing is good throughout LIS. Also, check with your local bait and tackle shops for more detailed information in the area you plan to fish.
For regulation updates, please check our web site: www.ct.gov/dep/fishing.
Page 3 of 3
DEP WEEKLY FISHING REPORT
CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106
www.ct.gov/dep
